Sweet potato pie is expected at Thanksgiving, maybe even… boring? Okay don’t come for us we love sweet potato pie. But this All our favorite fall flavors come together in this surprisingly easy and super flavorful stuffed acorn squash. The real star, to our minds, is that lacinato or Tuscan kale. It adds a heartiness that only a good cruciferous green can provide. Also the tender, sweet flesh of the squash can’t be over looked! For a vegetarian variation, sub out sausage for shiitakes or button mushrooms sautéed in butter or olive oil!

If you tried your hand at making this cake, let us know how it came out in the comments below!

YIELDS 6 SERVINGS

PREP TIME 15 MINS

TOTAL TIME 1 HR 15 MIN

Ingredients

• 3 small acorn squash
• 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• Kosher salt
• 1 c. farro
• 2 c plus 2 tablespoon apple cider, divided
• 2 springs fresh thyme
• 1/2 lb. sweet Italian sausage
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp, fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 bunch lacinato kale, stems removed and chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Cut each end off squash and halve. 
2. Use a spoon to remove seeds and brush all over with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and roast until tender, 30-35 minutes. 
3. Meanwhile, make farro: in a medium sauce pan, combine farro with 2 cups cider, 1 cup water, and thyme sprigs. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is evaporated and farro is tender, 25 to 30 minutes. If your liquid is evaporated and farro is not yet tender, add more water a ¼ cup at a time. Remove thyme sprigs.
4. Meanwhile, make filling: in a large skillet over medium heat, heat remaining oil. Add sausage and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon and stirring occasionally until golden and cooked through, 5 minutes. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon onto a paper-towel lined plate.
5. Drain most fat from the skillet, reserving about 1 tablespoon for cooking. Add onion and celery and cook until soft, 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add garlic and chopped thyme and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more.
6. Add kale and cook, stirring frequently. Add remaining 2 tablespoons cider after 4 minutes of cooking, then cook 4 minutes more, or until kale is tender.
7. Add cooked farro and sausage to skillet with vegetables and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Divide mixture among the 6 squash halves. Switch oven to broil and broil until tops are golden and filling is warmed, 2 to 3 minutes.